BBQ

Saturday July 1, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday July 1, 2023

From Addictive Bliss to Nutritional Abyss: Unraveling the Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods

June 7, 2017

Processed foods, such as canned beans and tinned fish, have been a part of the American diet for a long time. However, in the 1980s and 90s, food companies started creating what experts refer to as “ultra-processed foods” at a faster pace. These foods contain added sugar, salt, fat, artificial colors, or preservatives. They are often made with substances extracted from foods rather than actual food ingredients. Examples of ultra-processed foods include chips, frozen dinners, soda, and fast food.

According to Northeastern University’s Network Science Institute, ultra-processed foods now make up 73% of the US food supply. Research has linked these foods to health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Despite the risks, the average American adult gets over 60% of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods.

Analysis: Flamin’ hot addictions: why is America so hooked on ultra-processed foods?  

January 16, 2019

One reason for this high consumption is that highly processed foods can be addictive. They can affect the brain in ways similar to drug consumption, making it challenging to consume just a small amount. People often find it difficult to resist the temptation to eat more.

In the early 2000s, a Brazilian researcher named Carlos Monteiro began studying the effects of processing on food. He noticed that while sugar consumption seemed to be declining in Brazil, rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes were increasing. Monteiro and his colleagues developed the Nova classification system, which categorizes processed foods based on their level of processing. The highest category, “ultra-processed foods,” is specifically engineered to be addictive and lacks nutritional balance.

May 22, 2019

Initially, research only showed a correlation between ultra-processed foods and obesity. To test the causal relationship, Kevin Hall, a scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), conducted a randomized controlled study in 2018. The study involved 20 healthy adult volunteers who followed either an ultra-processed or a minimally processed diet for two weeks, then switched to the other diet. The results showed that participants consumed 500 more calories per day during the ultra-processed diet weeks, and their bloodwork indicated elevated hunger-related hormones.

This study highlighted the unique quality of ultra-processed foods that leads to overeating. Compared to whole foods, processed foods have a different impact on both the ability and desire to eat.

Analysis: How the ‘food’ we eat causes harm by not really being food at all  

August 10, 2019

Cheetos, for example, are particularly addictive due to various factors. They quickly melt in the mouth, creating the illusion of fewer calories. Additionally, the orange powder on Cheetos triggers a pleasurable reaction in the brain, and their crunchy texture tricks the brain into perceiving freshness.

Further research is being conducted to understand why ultra-processed foods cause overeating. In the meantime, individuals can gradually reduce their dependence on these foods by incorporating more minimally processed options into their diet. It’s important not to completely restrict any food since that can lead to increased cravings. Small incremental steps towards a healthier diet are more sustainable.

Policymakers could also play a role in promoting healthier choices by providing clearer information about the nutritional value of foods. Implementing labeling systems like the Nova system could help consumers make more informed decisions. Leaving it solely up to consumers to figure out the nutritional value of foods is not fair or effective. (AI)

 

Friday March 22, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 22, 2019

Doug Ford didn’t breach rules in Taverner appointment, integrity commissioner says

Ontario’s integrity commissioner says Premier Doug Ford did not breach conflict of interest rules during the appointment of his friend Ron Taverner as Ontario Provincial Police commissioner.

March 8, 2019

“I found that the Premier stayed at arm’s length from the recruitment process and that he believed it to be independent,” J. David Wake said in the report released on Wednesday.

But the report on the Taverner’s selection does not fully exonerate the government. Wake said the appointment process itself was flawed and said there were “some troubling aspects of the recruitment process” — most notably communication between the then-secretary of the cabinet Steve Orsini and Dean French, Ford’s chief of staff.

“What I found most disconcerting in all the evidence were the text messages from the Secretary to Mr. French as Mr. Taverner’s progress throughout the process. There seemed to be a tacit acknowledgement by the Secretary that Mr. French was rooting for Mr. Taverner’s success,” the commissioner said.

July 30, 2015

“Anyone examining these messages would have serious doubts as to the fairness of the process to the other candidates.”

Wake’s investigation was launched after complaints from opposition politicians over Taverner’s appointment.

Taverner, 72, a Toronto police superintendent, initially did not meet the criteria listed for the position and the government admitted it changed the requirements to attract a wider range of candidates.

Earlier this month, Taverner withdrew his name from consideration for the job because of the controversy around his appointment. He said he needed to protect the integrity of front-line officers.

After he withdrew his name, the government named Thomas Carrique as the new OPP commissioner. Carrique is currently deputy chief of York Regional Police. (Source: CBC) 

 

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Saturday, March 30, 2013

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday, March 30, 2013

Hillbilly Heaven operating without city licences

Hillbilly Heaven — the controversial southern barbecue joint that proudly displays the Confederate flag — is operating illegally.

The city confirmed Wednesday that neither the Upper James nor the downtown locations has an up-to-date business licence.

Hillbilly owner Cameron Bailey — who plans to run for city council in 2014 — says he hasn’t licensed his Upper James location since its opening two-and-a-half years ago because of a $2,000 rezoning fee. Bailey has also refused to pay the $250 “zoning verification fee” for his new downtown location.

“My argument is this: in a city where we’re trying to employ people, why is the city being so difficult over small amounts of money?” he said. “If it comes right down to it, I will fire two of my staff so I can give the city their $2,000.”

Bailey says that since his Upper James building was zoned only for takeout, not eat-in dining, he was required to spend $8,000 on architectural drawings to submit to the city. Although the drawings are finished, he still refuses to pay an additional $2,000 to change the building’s zoning to allow eat-in tables.

“To have a small-business owner draw a picture of what amounts to five or six tables is just ridiculous,” he said. “Everybody has to pay the fees, only because they go along like sheep.” (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Friday May 25, 2001

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 25, 2001

Jim Jeffords hands Senate power to Democrats

President George W. Bush went on the defensive yesterday after a senator bolted Republican ranks, tipping the balance of power in Washington.

In Cleveland, a sombre Bush was swift to defend his policies and his view of himself as a conciliator. He said he respected Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords, whom he called a “distinguished United States senator.”

“But respectfully,” he added, “I couldn’t disagree more (with his views). Our agenda for reforming America’s public schools and providing tax relief for every taxpayer represents the hopes and dreams of main-street America. Our agenda for reforming our military . . . represents the best hope for peace.”

“I was elected to get things done on behalf of the American people and to work with both Republicans and Democrats,” Bush said, “and we’re doing just that.”

It was Bush’s right-wing agenda that Jeffords could not stomach and which triggered his actions. In rebelling against his party, Jeffords ensured himself a place in the political history books.

His move to become an Independent marks the first time in U.S. history that the defection of one congressman switched the balance of power on Capitol Hill.

No later than June 5, Democrats will assume control of the Senate and the political agenda in this country in what amounts to a colossal blow to Bush’s plans.

What had been a 50-50 Senate controlled by Republicans with Vice-President Dick Cheney’s tie-breaking vote now becomes a 51-49 Democratic majority with Jeffords’ support. (Hamilton Spectator)